Workers from throughout southeastern Wisconsin have told us what they think of their jobs. The result: The Journal Sentinel's 2013 Top Workplaces rankings. You'll find more than 100 companies on this year's list.

Mary Pichardo sums up her feelings about Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care in a straightforward fashion.

"Seasons is probably the best company I've ever worked for," said Pichardo, a certified nurse assistant who joined the company about four years ago.

That may sum up why Seasons Hospice was ranked among the best companies to work for in the Milwaukee area - second among small companies on the Journal Sentinel's annual Top Workplaces list.

"We take care of our employees so they can take care of our patients and families," said Wendy Hockett, Seasons Hospice's executive director in Wisconsin. "No one wants to be taken care of by someone who is unhappy in their job, because it affects everything they do."

Seasons Hospice, a for-profit company based in Rosemont, Ill., employs 117 people at its West Allis office. They include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, social workers, nurse practitioners, chaplains and a music therapist.

Hockett said turnover is less than 1% - a telltale sign of a good employer.

Another sign may be the 10 emails that Hockett received one recent week from people who work for other hospice companies and were interested in working for Seasons Hospice.

"If you asked me if I would ever leave, I would say no," said Robin Bart ling, a registered nurse. "I see my future there. I see myself retiring there."

Bartling and other employees are quick to cite the support they receive in their jobs.

Every employee in the field gets a laptop and a smartphone. The company uses electronic health records designed for hospice care. And the medical director is readily available when someone has a question about a patient.

"Any time, day or night, they get back to you," Bartling said. The same goes for supervisors. "There is never a closed door," she said.

The emphasis on teamwork is another plus.

Nurses and aides can draw on the hospice's social workers, chaplains and music therapist.

That's all-important in what can be a difficult and draining job with often unpredictable hours.

"Seasons know that, and they take care of you," said Bartling, who has been with the company since May 2009.

If you need to get caught up on your paperwork, the company will send out another person for a day. And every three months, employees get a "mental health" day - in addition to their paid vacation.

The result is better patient care.

"To help them, you need to take care of yourself, and this company helps you take care of yourself," Bartling said.

At another hospice company, she was on call nonstop. One week, after working 40 hours, she worked from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. When she called to ask for help, her supervisor's response was along the lines of, "What do you want me to do about it?"

Seasons' approach to its employees may partly explain the company's growth. Since Hockett became executive director of the Wisconsin region, the number of patients has nearly doubled, to about 230.

The company has monthly lunches for all employees - most of whom work in the field - that are celebrations, not staff meetings.

"It's purely fun," Hockett said.

She talks of the importance of appreciating and supporting employees and recognizing them when they have made an extra effort or when a family has praised the care they've provided.

"I send emails all the time, as do all of our leadership team," Hockett said.

The company allows Pichardo, a single mother, to see patients in the early morning, go off the clock to take her daughter to school and then return to her job.

It is just as supportive if an employee has a sick child or family emergency.

Seasons Hospice, which operates in 15 states, knows that the type of care it provides requires a special person.

"Dying is a sacred event," said Hockett, who has a master's in social work.

Hockett became interested in hospice care because of the experience of family members. And people apparently are drawn to the work.

"I like to make a difference in people's life," Pichardo said. "It's making a difference in their life at the end of life."

Name: Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care

Rank: No. 2 among small employers

What it does: Provides end-of-life care

Where it's located: Based in Rosemont, Ill.; offers services in 15 states, including nine counties in southeast Wisconsin